Ulster Bank shuts nine branches across province

Following a number of earlier closures by it and rival banks it said fewer people are using the properties as a result of the increasing shift to digital technology.

Director Sean Murphy said: “Ulster Bank will close nine branches in Northern Ireland in October 2017. Banking has changed radically in recent years.

“More and more of our customers are using digital technology and fewer are using our branch network.”

Last month rival First Trust announced it was shutting 15 of its branches amid falling usage.

Mr Murphy added: “Closing a branch is never an easy decision and one we do not take lightly.

“Recognising that customers expect different services from their bank, we continue to invest in a range of channels to improve access in a sustainable way, such as our Bank on Wheels, 24/7 telephone banking and our services available through the Post Office.”

In spite of the closures, he said Ulster Bank retained Northern Ireland’s largest branch network.

The branches affected are: Newtownbreda, Antrim Road, Boucher Road and Woodstock Road, Belfast, Monkstown, Main St Bangor, County Down, Kircubbin, Garvagh, County Londonderry Millennium Forum, Londonderry.